They had campaigned for months, protesting outside the school gates, marching to the Diocese of Westminster and rallying an entire community to attend a public meeting.

But the parents, teachers and pupils at Holy Cross School in Fulham are this week coming to terms with the fact that their efforts to save their beloved 68-year-old headteacher Gerry Mulligan from the sack have all been in vain.

The 'visionary' man who helped shape the Basuto Road Catholic school into one of the finest in the borough was last Friday told by the board of governors he had lost an appeal against his enforced retirement.

It was an ignominious end to a near-30-year association with a school at which he was loved and respected, seemingly universally.

Parents are in no doubt the villains of the piece are the board of governors, lead by chairman Simon Guest.

They have raged at their continued refusal to address them, accusing them of causing widespread resentment and uncertaintly.

In a saga that has lasted over a year, teachers have threatened to launch industrial action, parents have reported a whispering campaign and one long-term member of staff walked out of his job in disgust over Mr Mulligan's treatment.

In a clear dig at the board, leading campaigner Tracy McGurk said on her Facebook campaign page: "Good bye Mr Mulligan , a great man pushed from his job. We can all hold our heads up and look everyone in the eye and say we tried. Even Jesus had to contend with his Judas, only Mr Mulligan had more than one. A sad, sad day for Holy Cross School."

Mr Guest finally broke his silence earlier this week with a letter to parents, putting his lack of communication down to 'employment confidentiality' and promising a ceremony would be organised for the departing head.

But the fall-out is likely to go on for some time to come, judging by other comments on Facebook.

Martinne Williams wrote: "So sorry for this terrible result. You all tried as hard as you could. I wish Gerry Mulligan all the very best for the future and hope the parents of Holy Cross School make sure a new board of governors is elected ASAP."

Others were disbelieving. Stacia Read wrote: "I cannot believe it but Mr Mulligan has lost his appeal and we have lost an amazing headmaster and a great man. We will miss you, no one can replace you."

In his letter, Mr Guest, who announced Janet Sheehan, headteacher of St Anne's Primary School in Whitechapel, will step in on an interim basis, attempted to pacify the campaigners by saying: "All the governors would like to pay tribute to Mr Mulligan. Holy Cross School today, with all its excellence, is a tribute to him. We will be consulting others on a proper and fitting way to mark Mr Mulligan’s retirement and thank him for his dedication to the best education for our children," he wrote.

He added: "The governing body will begin recruiting a permanent headteacher during the autumn term. This process will involve discussions with staff and parents about the qualities they wish to see in our new school leader."

A line has finally been drawn under Mr Mulligan's tenure, but it is clear he will never be forgotten. Former pupil Jerome Montgomery Hall summed up the feelings of many with this tribute: "So sad to read the news of Mr Mulligan forced sacking out of the school he created, made. A massive influence in my passion to teach, such a caring inspirational man. If I could be on any level a teacher or a school leader like him, I would achieve all my teaching desires and goals. A sad and upsetting day, a legend that will be missed by all."